Switching Careers to Law Enforcement

[veneratio]

I am curious if anyone has quit their regional and began a career in Law Enforcement. If you have, any pros or cons to doing it?

 

[rickair7777]

I know of lot of ex-cops who fly for the regionals...

If you're going to do it, try for federal. Or LAPD if you want to make big money and aren't afraid of getting shot at and shooting back.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

At least you can look forward to a decent pension, but I gues that depends on what dept. you get hired into.

 

[veneratio]

Most departments where I am located have a pension after 20 years, and you start off about 55k and much more with overtime. I was just looking at different options and was curious about the QOL in law enforcement.

 

[Metro752]

I know of some captains who claim to deny jumpseats for some pretty stupid reasons.

That's sort of like being a cop?

True or False?

 

[PA44Jockey]

I can tell you in Northern Kentucky and in Cincinnati that departments are actually cutting back sworn officers due to state budgets hurting so bad. I imagine this is true in lots of states.

 

[Metro752]

Budget hurting, or politicians afraid of losing their jobs, so they try and save money by cutting necessary government jobs?

 

[Salukipilot4590]

Budget hurting, or politicians afraid of losing their jobs, so they try and save money by cutting necessary government jobs?

That makes total sense!

Right?

 

[psysicx]

Check out officer.com/forum. Its got a lot of good info.

 

[HighFlyer5532]

I would definately recomend trying for a big city department, they usually have more opprotunity for advancement and they hire in great numbers. While there are good departments all over the country I would strongly consider looking at the ones out west (LAPD, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Fran PD, LASD, Annaheim, ect). Most of the big departments out west work either 3/12's or 4/10's, have good training, room for advancement, and good pensions ect...also working a compressed schedule gives you time to teach on the side or maybe pick up some contract work.

Speaking of LAPD, they are in a big hiring mode right now. Starting pay with a college degree is $62,000. They also have a pretty good flying unit that includes 16 helicopters and a king air. Good luck!

 

[Hawker800]

Spent 26yrs. in the LE business. There are pros and cons for both small and large agencies, as well as state vs federal. Large ones do pay better but promotions usually take longer and the competion for those slots can be heavy. Alot depends on the QL you are looking for. Retirement plans can differ but 20yrs is usually the norm with age being a factor. State and federal jobs usually require transfer and TDY assignments a few times during the career. PM if you need more info. Good luck with your decision.

 

[LAFrequentflyer]

Go federal...Less than a year from military retirement and am already looking at GS-13 positions with DHS. Its not a flying job, yet. I hope to get into one of the many emerging federal / state UAV pilot programs that are not / do not require you to be a law enforcement officer. Just a line UAV pilot.

Lots of stuff out there. PM me if you want the name/number for a good KSA / federal resume writer. IMHO, its money well spent if you get the job.

Best of luck.

-LAFF

 

[bailout]

I know of lot of ex-cops who fly for the regionals...

+1 It aint for everybody.

 

[Captainzero1]

A former student of mine who I consider the best pilot I have ever flown with gave up his flying career with a regional to be a cop in Atlanta. His new wife thought it was safer than flying and brow beat him into it. Last I talked to him, he seemed happy.

 

[rickair7777]

A former student of mine who I consider the best pilot I have ever flown with gave up his flying career with a regional to be a cop in Atlanta. His new wife thought it was safer than flying and brow beat him into it. Last I talked to him, he seemed happy.

ATL??? Nobody died in 121 these last two years...can APD say the same???